Darwin Match

[Crusty Demon]

Watching the Melbourne game and then switching over to the Port game proves that any side who plays up in Darwin needs as long a break in between games as possible. Surely the AFL must do something about the scheduling next season? Both Port and Melbourne looked woeful today. I realise we wouldn't have gotten close to Geelong with the inept football we played, but how much of an effect did the game last week have on these players?

If I were on the Melbourne board, I'd seriously look at overlooking any games there next year because of this reason. I heard one of the commentators say that Port have never won a match the week after a game in Darwin! That's enough proof right there to say if games are played up in the Darwin heat, the AFL needs to give those teams maximum rest before there next game. Certainly not an excuse for the shocking brand of football we played today, but definitely something to think about moving forward. Any thoughts???

 

[thetank]

How much $$$ do we get as compensation for selling our home match?

 

[d33my]

^^ probs about $5000....

 

[master bate]

Should be a Friday night game up there. It would be culturally interesting at least, better than a Etihad borefest.

Then both teams should play on Sunday.

Port Adelaide and Gysberts performance are enough to show we made the correct call with Scully and Trengove this week.

 

[Gazza_11]

We get a lot of money for doing it, and in fairness this is the first one we've sold to Darwin. If you think playing Geelong was a learning curve, this is just as much of one.

 

[Supermercado]

Given that we got $250k for selling games to Brisbane in 2002 I'd rather bank the money (presumably more) and see what happens when we play a side other than the best team in the competition the next week.

You may very well be right, but given that we've won once in Geelong since 1988 it's hardly a scientific study.

 

[RandB]

It quite simply needs to be before the split round. Also the loss the following week is not the only problem, it's the long term well being of the playing group risk of injury due to poor recovery etc.

 

[saj_21]

How much $$$ do we get as compensation for selling our home match?

I remember reading somewhere it was around $300-330K.

Melbourne has requested the AFL to play the Darwin game next year the week before the bye, something i am sure the AFL will acomodate. No doubt Port will be pushing for the same thing given their effort Saturday.